This post contains a lot of mapping and visuals, so whilst there is a summary below, the Youtube video above provides full context.

With the elevation of the train line between Victoria Park and Beckenham, we’re about to see one of the most transformative projects in recent years in Perth’s south-eastern corridor.

Overview

In 2023, the state government began elevating a large portion of the train line between Victoria Park and Beckenham Stations. The project includes:
    •    Five new elevated train stations
    •    Six new rail overpasses (eliminating level crossings)
    •    630 car parking bays
    •    Six hectares of landscaped public space beneath the rail line, featuring:
    ◦    Youth plazas
    ◦    Nature play areas
    ◦    Fitness parks
    ◦    Dog parks, and more

The project is scheduled for completion in 2025.

Lessons from Melbourne’s Sky Rail

To understand the potential impact, we can look at Melbourne’s similar project, known as Sky Rail. Completed a few years ago in its southeastern suburbs, the project raised five stations and 17 kilometres of rail line.

Initially, there was opposition due to concerns about noise, aesthetics, and its effect on local communities. However, the outcome has been overwhelmingly positive:
    •    Vibrant public spaces replaced underutilised areas beneath the rail line.
    •    Reduced congestion for vehicles and pedestrians.
    •    Boosted property values due to the increased vibrancy and accessibility.

After completion, a quick scroll through online forums reveals glowing feedback from locals, with comments like:

“Sky rail is the best. It opens up so much room underneath for green space, playgrounds, bike paths, and even car parking.”

“It is so much better there now. Walking or driving to the shops has so much less congestion, the new station is fantastic, the parks are great, and it doesn't stress me out thinking that ambulances have [to] drive from the hospital all the way to the road bridge.”

“Huge, huge benefits on the Dandenong line upgrades. All the fear mongering from anti-Sky Rail groups weren't substantiated.”

The evidence suggests that these infrastructure upgrades create vibrant, attractive areas, directly benefiting businesses and residents alike.

What are the likely impacts in Perth?

Currently, most commercial properties along Perth’s train line are clustered around stations. This makes sense—train stations naturally generate foot traffic. So, we expect to see a vast improvement in the aesthetics and vibrancy around these train stations due to reduced car congestion and more pedestrians, leading to more development. However, the land between stations, which is currently dominated by the train line, hasn’t been conducive to development until now. Its elevation changes this dynamic. Replacing the tracks with parklands and public spaces will make these corridors more appealing, increasing foot traffic and unlocking new opportunities for businesses.

What areas of Perth will be specifically affected?

The elevation of the train line will bring improvements across several precincts, primarily reducing congestion, enhancing access, and boosting vibrancy. The areas of Beckenham, Cannington, Queens Park, Welshpool, and Oats Street will see functional benefits such as smoother traffic flow and better connectivity, though the impact on commercial real estate varies depending on pedestrian access and the mix of nearby properties.

Carlisle stands out as the most likely to benefit significantly from the change, with its cluster of underutilised commercial properties around the station, no major barriers to pedestrian traffic, and proximity to higher-value residential areas than the other stations. The area’s primed for gentrification and the development of a vibrant town centre, especially with the support of the Town of Victoria Park’s new local planning scheme, which has improved the zoning in the area.

Current Carlisle works

Looking Ahead

It’s also worth looking out for spot rezoning and adaptive reuse of properties along the rail corridor. Areas that were once unappealing or inaccessible could see their highest and best use shift from residential to commercial, creating new opportunities for businesses and investors.

If Melbourne’s Sky Rail is any indication, the elevated train line will help to create thriving, vibrant communities and more profitable commercial real estate in Perth’s south eastern suburbs.